Category Archives: Uncategorized

– False compensation claims have led to increased premiums – – New FF Bill will force DPP to investigate fraudulent claims – Fianna Fáil has brought forward a new Bill to clamp down on insurance fraud, which should see the reduction in insurance costs. The ‘Civil Liability and Courts (Amendment) Bill’ seeks to reduce the number of fraudulent insurance claims by ensuring false claims are dealt with under the law. Fianna Fáil Deputy Leader and TD for Mayo Dara Calleary commented, “Consumers are being charged huge insurance premiums because of the large number of false compensation claims. This is deeply unfair and Fianna Fáil is stepping up to the […]

– Govt failing to tackle increasing waiting lists – Fianna Fáil Deputy Leader Dara Calleary has highlighted a worrying increase in the number of people waiting for urology appointments in hospitals across the country. There were almost 30,000 people on the outpatient waiting list at the end of August, with over 10,500 patients waiting more than a year to see a doctor. New figures released to Deputy Calleary reveal that Tallaght Hospital, Galway University Hospital and University Hospital Waterford have the longest waiting lists for this particular speciality. Deputy Calleary explained, “While some progress has been made with inpatient procedures, as a result of the additional funding secured by […]

2012 – 744 senior managers 2018 – 1,329 senior managers Fianna Fáil Deputy Leader Dara Calleary says figures recently released to the party by the HSE show that the numbers of managers at Grade VIII and above in the HSE now stands at 1,329. This compares to 744 six years ago. “Anytime a Dáil Deputy stands up in Leinster House inquiring about waiting lists or service provision we are constantly told about the difficulties in recruiting front line staff and the shortage of personnel. “This clearly does not apply in the managerial grades where there has been an almost 80% increase since 2012. Certainly we have not seen an 80% increase […]

The decision of Bus Eireann to implement changes to its Ballina-Galway route must be immediately reviewed. There is considerable concern and anger regarding the implications of the changes which were announced last Friday 29 June and implemented yesterday 1 July. Firstly the notice peiod for the change was far too short. Presumably this was planned weeks back. It has been in discussion for many months. Secondly what facilities do Bus Eireann intend to put in place in Claremorris to account for the long waiting periods for transfer buses to Kiltimagh and Swinford? There are also implications for people living in Foxford and Straide as well as Swinford and Kiltimagh which […]

Fianna Fáil Deputy Leader Dara Calleary says a new Bill being brought forward by the party should lead to reduced insurance costs as it will clamp down on fraudulent insurance claims. These fake claims have been a contributory factor in the rocketing insurance costs, which people in Mayo and across the country are being hit with. The Civil Liability and Courts (Amendment) Bill 2018 is the latest measure from Fianna Fáil aimed at tackling spiralling insurance costs. Deputy Calleary commented, “While the majority of insurance claimants are genuine, there is an underlying issue with fraudulent claims, which are driving up the cost of insurance for motorists, businesses, community groups and […]

– One member would be elected from Mayo – Fianna Fáil Deputy Leader and TD for Mayo Dara Calleary says a new Bill published by his party will restore the democratic mandate of Gaeltacht residents by reinstating direct elections to the board of Údarás na Gaeltachta. The Údarás na Gaeltachta (Amendment) Bill 2018 was recently approved by the party front bench. Deputy Calleary explained, “This Bill seeks to overturn the undemocratic decision taken by Fine Gael in 2012, when it abolished direct elections to Údarás na Gaeltachta. This move effectively removed the election of the board from people living in Gaeltacht areas, and gives the Minister of the day […]

Fianna Fáil Deputy Leader and TD for Mayo Dara Calleary has accused the Health Minister of ignoring the impending GP crisis in rural areas. Deputy Calleary has been informed by the HSE that the GP in Glenamoy Health Centre has resigned and no replacement has been found. Deputy Calleary commented, “This is a very serious situation. This latest resignation will leave only three GPs in the entire Erris area. This is a huge geographical distance for three GPs to cover and it will increase the pressure not only on the existing GP service, but also on the whole Erris community. It will also create additional problems for the ED at […]

Dara Calleary T.D. is urging small businesses in Mayo to apply for funding under The Department of Communications, Climate Change and Environment’s Smart Lighting Grant Scheme. “Applications are now open and the increase in funding means the Scheme can be rolled out more widely across the country benefitting even more small businesses this year,” stated Deputy Calleary. “The purpose of the support Scheme is to help SMEs reduce their energy use and costs. The grant will cover more than one third of the cost of energy efficient lighting upgrades. There is a further tax incentive under the Accelerated Capital Allowance scheme that is also available and opportunities to negotiate electricity […]

Fianna Fáil Deputy Leader Dara Calleary has introduced a Bill in the Dáil that will improve safety on quad bikes. There are currently no laws to require manufacturers or owners to have roll cages on their All Terrain Vehicles (quads). Deputy Calleary explained, “Earlier this year the County Coroner in Mayo recommended implementing anti-roll bars on quad bikes, following the tragic death of a farmer. Sadly, this was not a unique case. 15% of all farm machinery deaths between 2007-2016 were due to quad accidents. A major factor in these deaths was the loss of control of the vehicle resulting in the driver being crushed or pinned by the bike. […]

Mayo Fianna Fáil TD Dara Calleary is advising people that there are currently 80,000 Passport Applications lodged with The Passport Service. He offers the following advice. Save Time – Renew Online: It is just over one year since the Department of Foreign Affairs launched the Online Passport Application Service. This service offers the convenience of an online application facility, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for adult Irish citizens at home and overseas. Since it was launched in March last year over 180,000 online renewal applications have been processed and the service’s popularity continues to increase with over 80,000 online applications received since the beginning of this year […]